Deutsche Telekom launches sustainable 5G smartphone

Deutsche Telekom has commenced sales of the Fairphone 4 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, starting September 30. This marks the introduction of the first 5G-capable smartphone designed with a focus on sustainability.

The Fairphone 4 is engineered to reduce electronic waste, utilizing 100 percent recycled materials, including plastics. Fairphone has also expanded its sourcing of fairly traded materials, such as gold, aluminum, and tin, while simultaneously improving working conditions throughout its supply chain.

According to Deutsche Telekom, the device contributes to the company's supply chain climate targets, as the majority of a smartphone's lifecycle emissions stem from production. The company offers the phone as part of its "green network," which operates on 100 percent renewable energy.

The Fairphone 4 has achieved TCO Certified status, a third-party sustainability certification for IT products. It also received high scores in the Eco Rating. Technical features include 5G support, a dual-camera system with 48-megapixel main sensor, and an extended five-year warranty intended to prolong the device's usable life.

The Fairphone 4 is now available for pre-order from Deutsche Telekom. The 128 GB storage version is priced at 579 euros.